Upright piano; John Brinsmead & Sons Ltd. (estab. 1836, closed 1920); c. 1880; X...
Upright piano
About this object
This piano belonged to Marion Millar (nee Clendon) and was used by her at Harena, the homestead built by her and her husband, Thomas, on the Waima River. According to her daughter, Florence Keene, Marian was "an accomplished pianist, she often entertained guests on a summer's evening as they sold in the cool air on the verandah." (1)
During the Victorian era, young girls and women were often taught how to play the piano as it not only provided a creative outlet, but was also a vital source of entertainment. Often, families and friends would gather around the piano to sing songs and hold soirees.
This piano was donated to Clendon House in c. 1974, as Marian was the daughter of the house’s original owner, Captain James Reddy Clendon and his second wife, Jane Takotowi Clendon (nee Cochrane). Marian was born on 16 June 1864. As a young girl, Marian and her siblings were taught by a governess, Mrs Bennett, in the attic room under the gables of Clendon House. At the age of 17, she married Thomas Lumsden Millar, the Postmaster at Rawene, and they had seven children George Frederick Graham, Edward Lumsden, Trevor Clendon, Thomas Lumsden, Frances Edith, Ruth Takotowi and Marion Elizabeth, more commonly known as Peggy. Marion died in 1961 at the age of 97 years.
(1), Florence Keene, 'Under Northland Skies: Forty Women of Northland', 1984, p. 119.
For more information about the Clendon family and Clendon House, which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, visit our website.
John Brinsmead & Sons Ltd. (estab. 1836, closed 1920)
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Madec. 1880
Place Made Medium and MaterialsWood, walnut and brass
Inscription and MarksA maker's label is located on the inside of lid and reads 'John Brinsmead & Sons Ltd.'
Measurements124.5 x 138 x 65.5cm
Credit LineCollection of Clendon House, Heritage New Zealand Historic Pouhere Taonga
Object Type Object numberXCH.198
Copyright LicenceAdd Comments
This object is from
Tags
Include tags such as place names, people, dates, events and colours. Use commas to separate multiple tags. e.g. Pablo Picasso, Madrid, red, 1930s.
Share
Disclaimer/Re-use of images:
It is the sole responsibility of the contributing museum to supply accurate information, and to organise copyright clearance (if necessary) for any image that appears on NZ Museums. Before any re-use of images, permission must be obtained from the contributing museum. Please contact the contributing museum if you have concerns about the information or images or would like to find out more about using and ordering an image.
This website is a National Services Te Paerangi initiative
